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July 28, 2008

Gambling limit expansion will make it to the ballot

Odds are good that voters will see an initiative to expand existing casinos on the November ballot as supporters of higher-stakes gambling wait this week for the secretary of state to verify their petitions.

Petitioners turned in about 130,000 signatures Friday, many more than the 76,000 valid names they need, said campaign spokeswoman Katy Atkinson.

The proposal would allow the three communities where gambling is legal to boost the maximum bet from $5 to $100, stay open longer and add craps and roulette to the casino floors. Extra tax revenues — estimated at $28.6 million — would help community colleges fend off tuition increases.

It is good that if this passes it will mean an expanding of choices for Colorado gamblers. There really should not be any state mandated limits on what a person is allowed to wager on a bet. What may seem like a lot of money to gamble for one person, may be an insignificant amount for another person. Gambling for entertainment is like any other expense, what may seem like a pricey meal at a restaurant to one person, may seem reasonable to another person, and you would not want a law that says no restaurant is allowed to sell any meal for more than $20 would you?

The first time I was approached about this bill I told the petitioner no because they approached me with the clipboard and said something like "more money for education?". Not a good way to approach someone who thinks the government should not be involved in education.

Gambling is too much thrilling and enjoyable. So I think first of all decide yourselves limits and only gamble with money you can afford for many people.
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EricColorado Treatment Centers